|
Washington, DC -- Congressman David Davis today issued the following statement in response to the passage of the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):
"I am pleased to see that the National Defense Authorization Act has passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. The legislation authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and authorizes $189.4 billion in supplemental funding to support operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Global War on Terror. As a Representative, one of my duties is to ensure that our Armed Forces have the best available tools at their disposal to combat threats and protect America.
"After traveling to Iraq, Walter Reed, and Mountain Home to visit and speak with our soldiers about their needs in Iraq and when they get home, some of the things I came away with was a need for better healthcare, increased pay, and increased safety initiatives. The NDAA contains many of the concerns that our soldiers expressed and I am delighted to see that the Troops will receive their wishes as soon as the President signs this bill into law.
"These funds authorize a 3.5% pay raise for all members of the Armed Forces in 2008. Our brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces deserve this pay raise for their continued fight for the safety of every American day-in and day-out.
"In addition to pay increases, the bill provides funding for state-of-the-art Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and National Guard equipment in order to maintain a greater level of safety for our Troops.
"The NDAA also authorizes the much needed Wounded Warriors legislation that advances the care, management, and transition of recovering service members and improves the healthcare and benefits for military families. Service to one’s country is a brave and honorable gesture and our wounded heroes deserve the best care possible.
"Our Armed Forces deserve our appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice to preserve the safety of every Tennessean and American alike."
|